The Indian Premier League’s adrenaline rush and the historic ICC T20 World Cup triumph have ignited a surge of energy within India’s leading cricketers. As the nation transitions from the thrill of limited-overs cricket to the slow-burn intensity of Test cricket, the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai will host the opening Test of the two-match series between India and Bangladesh, commencing on Thursday.
Rohit Sharma’s men last played a Test against England in Dharamshala in March, and now they must reset their playing style as they prepare for a series of crucial encounters against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia. These games are part of the World Test Championship, which India currently leads, making them critical for the team’s progress.
The upcoming clashes will also mark the beginning of Gautam Gambhir’s era as coach. The former India opener, who honed his leadership skills during the ODIs in Sri Lanka, now faces the daunting task of guiding a squad in transition towards greater glory. Stepping into Rahul Dravid’s shoes, Gambhir must steer the team to higher heights.
India, playing on home soil, will enter the series as the favorite. However, Bangladesh, fresh from their 2-0 Test series victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi, is eager to prove their mettle against their larger neighbor. From their independence in 1971 to their Test debut in 2000, Bangladesh has always found India lending a helping hand. Yet, the desire to demonstrate their equality fuels the visitors’ determination.
While Dhaka recovers from political turmoil, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s men continue to carry the weight of hope on their shoulders. Rawalpindi was a testament to their potential, but Chennai and Kanpur may pose greater challenges.
India’s return to home soil is marked by the remarkable comeback of Rishabh Pant, who has recovered from a life-threatening accident. Virat Kohli, who took a paternity break and missed the series against England, is also back in the mix. K.L. Rahul’s return adds to Rohit’s experienced core, providing him with a solid foundation to rely on.
With Jasprit Bumrah as the spearhead and R. Ashwin leading the spin department, the Indian skipper has ample resources at his disposal. The surface is expected to favor both fast and slow bowlers, ensuring an intriguing contest.
For Bangladesh, a glimpse of the Bay of Bengal upon arrival and the proximity of Greams Road, with its distinct Bengali vibe, may evoke a sense of familiarity. However, having never defeated India in a Test while being a formidable opponent in ODIs, especially during the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, the Tigers face a formidable challenge.
Veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan know what it takes to surprise India, but Bangladesh will need contributions from others like Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Taskin Ahmed to embody that spirit.
